During his recent “60 Minutes” interview, former President Donald Trump made headlines by referring to Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer as a “kamikaze.” He expressed discontent over investigators searching through his wife’s closet and discussed his vision for ending wars. In a surprising turn, Trump even shifted the focus back to interviewer Norah O’Donnell, questioning her about safety in Washington, D.C. However, viewers of the CBS telecast on Sunday night only witnessed a fraction of this exchange, as less than half of the interview was aired.
CBS released a full transcript and video of the entire 73-minute discussion online, allowing audiences to explore what the network deemed significant enough for the 28-minute broadcast segment. This decision provided a rare glimpse into the editing process at one of journalism's most prominent institutions, highlighting the complex choices regarding clarity and newsworthiness that shape televised storytelling.
The decision to share the full interview echoes a broader trend in journalism, affecting outlets from local newspapers to major platforms like The New York Times and The Associated Press. As viewers have access to unedited materials, the lines between audience and editor blur, raising questions about transparency in media practices.
Historically, “60 Minutes” has maintained certain editorial standards, as evidenced by its treatment of past interviews, including one with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump had previously sued CBS, alleging deceptive editing in that interview, which was aired months after it was recorded. CBS faced public pressure before eventually releasing a transcript of the Harris interview. The release of the Trump interview outtakes marks a significant shift in this longstanding practice, prompting discussions about the implications for journalistic integrity.
Tom Bettag, a former producer for “60 Minutes” and now a journalism professor at the University of Maryland, commented on the changing landscape of media. He noted, “There’s a very good reason not to allow people to do that, to avoid arguments about the editing choices.” Traditionally, journalists have relied on audience trust to apply good judgment and fairness in their reporting.
The edited version of Trump's interview showcased stark differences from the uncut material. O’Donnell's broadcast began with a discussion about a government shutdown, whereas their actual conversation opened with Trump's recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This editing decision exemplifies the daily choices journalists make to highlight the most relevant and engaging content.
Among the remarks omitted from the broadcast, Trump accused O’Donnell of shame for questioning him about political retribution. His criticisms of New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey were also condensed. Despite the edits, some notable comments, including his description of James as a “terrible, dishonest person,” remained in the aired segment.
Journalist Rick Ellis, who compared the full transcript with the broadcast, observed that much of what was cut contained confusing and tangential remarks. Trump invoked President Joe Biden over 40 times during the interview, yet only six of those references made it to air. The headline of Ellis’ analysis read, “’60 Minutes’ Edits (Most of) the Crazy Out of Its Interview with Donald Trump.”
CBS included several fact-checking elements in the final broadcast, notably refuting Trump’s claims that China and Russia were conducting nuclear weapons tests. However, some exchanges deemed less critical were omitted, such as Trump's inquiry to O’Donnell about her safety in Washington, D.C., following his deployment of the National Guard.
Trump's remarks regarding management changes at CBS’ parent company, Paramount, were also excluded from the aired segment. He stated, “They paid me a lot of money for that,” criticizing the notion of fake news and expressing optimism for the network's new leadership under Bari Weiss.
The editing decisions by CBS attracted mixed reactions. While some Trump critics expressed frustration over omitted content, there were fewer complaints from his supporters. The White House's rapid response team shared both the complete interview and the broadcast version, highlighting the disparity between the two.
Jorge Bonilla, writing for the conservative media watchdog Newsbusters, compared O’Donnell’s interview favorably to her previous encounter with Trump, which ended in controversy five years prior. He remarked, “It appears that the Bari Weiss era is now fully upon us at CBS News.”
In summary, the airing of Trump's “60 Minutes” interview and the subsequent release of unedited material has sparked vital discussions about the role of editing in journalism, the public’s access to raw content, and the impact of these editorial choices on audience perception. This evolving landscape continues to shape the future of news media.
